Twin-fan structure



Feb. 15, 1938. w. w. AQLLEN 2,108,738

' TWIN-FAN STRUCTURE Filed March 12, 1957 1 s Sheets-Sheet 1- Feb. 15, 1938. w. w. ALLEN 5 3 TWIN-FAN STRUCTURE Filed March 12, 1957 :s Sheets-Sheet 2 5; MAL/AM WALAf/V Feb. 15, 1938. w. w. ALLEN 2,108,738

TWIN-FAN STRUCTURE Filed March 12, 1957 s Sheets-Sheet 3 Patented Feb. 15, 1938 UNITED STATES TWIN-FAN STRUCTURE William w. Allen, Jacksonville, Fla. Application March 12, 1937, Serial No. 130,563

7 Claims.

This invention relates to a twin-fan structure.

The invention has for its object to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth including a pair of sidewise opposed spaced fans operated in unison in a like direction from a single motor thereby obtaining more air per horse power than a fan of a similar size.

A further object of the invention is to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth, a twin-fan structure having each of its fans drivenby an endless belt operated from the same motor and whereby it is possible to adjust the belt tension on either fan individually or in unison.

A further object of the invention is to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth, a twin-fan structure having each of its fans mounted revolubly on separate shafts, the fans being sidewise opposed, operating in the same plane and driven from a motor common thereto, which is difierent from most twin fans now in general use in that they operate on a common shaft driven from a single motor.

A further object of the invention is to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth, a twin-fan structure whereby the air delivery is increased in a less vertical space than is possible with ordinary single type fans, thus giving slower speeds and less noise.

A further object of the invention is to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth, a twin-fan structure having each of its fans revolubly mounted on an independent shaft, a separate belt transmission for each fan, a driving motor for and common to the belts, and with the motor adjustably connected to an adjustable mounting whereby the adjusting of tension of the belts on said fans may be had separately or in unison.

' sible to accomplish with a larger type fan to obtain the same amount of air desired.

A further object of the invention is to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth, a twin-fan structure having a pair of automatically opening and closing shutters associated with the fans of the structure.

Further objects of the invention are to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth, a twin-fan structure which is simple in its construction and arrangement, stron durable, compact, thoroughly efficient in it's use, readily assembled, comparatively inexpensive to manufacture and conveniently repaired when occasion requires.

With the foregoing and other objects which may hereinafter appear, the invention consists of the novel construction, combination and arrangement of parts as will be more specifically set forth and illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein is shown embodiments of the invention, but it is to be understood that changes, variations and modifications may be resorted to which fall within the scope of the invention as claimed.

In the drawings: 1

Figure 1 is a front elevation of a twin-fan structure in accordance with this invention,

Figure 2 is a rear elevation thereof,

Figure 3 is a top plan view,

Figure 4 is a section upon an enlarged scale, on line t-t, Figure 2,

Figure 5 is a section on line 5-5, Figure 4,

Figure 6 is a section, upon an enlarged scale, on line fi-t, Figure 2, o I

Figure 7 is atop plan view showing the for of hub of each fan and the supporting shaft for e the fan.

Figure 8 is a diametrical section on line 8-8, Figure 2,

Figure 9 is a section on line 99, Figure '7, Figure 10 is a top plan View of the housing for the fans,

Figure 11 is a top plan view of a modified form of housing for the fans,

Figure 12 is afront elevation of a modified form of twin-fan structure,

Figure 13 is a top plan view of the modified form with the shutters shown in dotted lines in open position, and

Figure 14 is a view looking towards one side of the modified form shown in Figure 12.

Referring to the Figures 1 to 11, the twinfan structure includes a rectangular housing i5 of frame-like form'having a front plate l6 formed top bar 22, a bottom bar 23 and a pair of abut-- ting vertically disposed centrally arranged brace bars 26 interposed between the top and bottom bars 22, 23 respectively and anchored to the outer face of the front plate It. The latter is arranged between the side members I9, 20, top bar 22 and bottom bar 23. The members I9, 20 extend rearwardly from plate 56 and bars 22, 23. The bars 22, 23 extend forwardly and rearwardly from the plate It. The back 2| includes aligned top and bottom bars 25, 26 respectively of like'form and each of which includes a pair of forwardly extending oppositely outwardly inclined end stretches 21, '28 and an intermediate stretch 29. The forward ends of the stretches 21, 28 of the the stretches 29 of the bars 25, 26 is a pair of spaced parallel vertically extending oppositely disposed combined bracing and supporting elements 30, 3| of angle shape cross section arranged adjacent to and on opposite sides of the vertical median of housing l5 and which constitute an inner set of combined bracing and supporting elements. Secured at their upper ends and lower ends to the forward faces of the vertical flanges of the stretches 21 of the bars 25, 26 is a pair of spaced parallel vertically extending oppositely disposed combined bracing and supporting elements 32, 33 of angle shape cross section arranged adjacent to and on opposite sides of the vertical medians of the stretches 21 and which constitute an outer set of combined bracing and supporting elements. Secured at their upper and lower ends to the forward faces of the vertical flanges of the stretches 28 of the bars 25, 26 is a ranged adjacent to and on opposite sides of the vertical medians of the stretches 28 and which constitute another outer set of combined bracing and supporting elements. Rearwardly extending spaced parallel brace members 36 are interposed between the top bar 22 and the intermediate circular disc provided with an enlarged axial opening 42, a rearwardly extending annular rim 43 merging at its forward end into and being.

flush with the outer edge of part 42 and provided in its outer periphery with a pair of spaced circumferentially extending V-grooves 44, 45, a rearwardly extending annular collar integral with the inner face of part 42, disposed in concentric spaced relation with respect to the rim 43, having its inner face flush with the wall of opening 42 and being closed at its rear end as at 41. The end 41 is provided with an axial opening 41 of less diameter than and having its axis aligning with the axis of opening 42.

Arranged within the collar 46 is a pair of spaced bearing structures 48, one of which seats against the forward face of the end 41 of collar 46.. The spacing means for structure 48 are indicated at 49.

Each fan element includes a series of radially disposed fan blades 56 secured to the forward face of the part 42 of hub 4|. extend intoan opening H or l8.

There is associated with the fan elements 39, 48 a pair of supporting shafts 5| 52 respectively. The shafts 5|, 52 are of like form and arranged in parallel spaced relation sidewise. Each shaft in proximity to its forward end is provided with a shoulder 54. Each shaft has its forward portion arranged in sleeve 46, extend through opening 41* and has its shoulder 54 arranged between the bearing structure 48. Cap members 54 are anchored to the front face of the parts 42 of the hubs and are formed with inwardly extending annular flanges 54 which bear against the forward bearing structure 48.

The shaft 5| or 52 not only extends through the bearing structures 48, but also extends rear- The blades 59 wardly from end 41 of collar 46 into a support member 55 which is arranged between and abuts the forward flanges, as well as being arranged between, abutting and anchored to the rear flanges of the pair of elements 3.2, 33 or to the pair of elements 34, 35. In Figures '7 and 9 the arrangement of a support member 55 is shown in connection with the elements 32, 33 and is anchored to the rear flanges of such elements as at 56. The shaft 5| or 52 is anchored stationary to a support member 55 by a binding screw 51. The hub 4| revolves about a pair of bearing structures 48 and the bearing assemblies will take care of thrust in either direction.

A driving motor common to both fan elements is indicated at 51. The shaft of motor 51 is designated 58 and extends forwardly from the motor housing. The extended end of shaft 58 bodily carries therewith a drive pulley 59 formed with a pair of spaced V-grooves 60, 6| extending circumferentially of its outer periphery. There is associated with the pulley 59 a pair of oppositely extending power transmission belts 62, 63 for simultaneously operating the fan elements 39, 46. The belt 62 travels in the groove 68 of the pulley 59 and in the groove 44 of the hub 4| of the fan element 39. The belt 63 travels in the groove 6| of the pulley 59 and in the groove 45 of the hub 4| of the fan element 46.

The motor is capable of being adjustable longitudinally and vertically with respect to the housing |5 for adjusting the tension of the belts on the hubs, and for such purpose there is provided an angle-shaped bracket 64 formed of a horizontally disposed rearwardly extending upper arm 65 and a vertically disposed arm 66 depending from the forward end of the arm 65. The stand 61 of the motor 51 is formed with a pair of oppositely disposed lateral extensions 68 whicl?i seat on the arm 65. The extensions 68 are forme with slots 69 lengthwise thereof. The arm 65 is formed with openings 10 which align with the slots 69. Detachable holdfast means 1| extend through the aligning slots and openings. The slotted extensions 68 and holdfast means 1| in connection with the openings 18 permit of the adjusting of the motor in opposite directions longitudinally relative to housing i5 and for detachably securing the motor in its adjusted position. The arm 66 of bracket 64 is positioned against the rear flanges of the elements 30, 3| and itis provided with an upper pair of horizontally aligned spaced openings 12 and a lower pair of horizontally aligned spaced openings 13. The openings 12 vertically align with the openings Arranged against the inner faces of the rear flanges of the elements 30, 3| is a clamping plate 14 having openings 15, 16 aligning respectively with openings 12, 13 of the arm 66. The bracket 64 is vertically adjustable relative to the housing I5 and when adjusted it carries the motor 51 in a like direction whereby the latter is vertically adjusted relative to housing 5 for increasing the tension of the belts on the hubs of the fan elements. Thebracket 64 is detachably clamped in its adjusted position by holdfast means 11 coacting with the openings 12, 13, 15, 16, arms 66 and plate 14 whereby motor 51 will be held in a like position.

With reference ,to Figure 11, there is shown diagrammatically a fan structure 18 formed of separate fan units 19, of like form which are anchored together in inner sidewise abutting relation. The backs of the units 18, 86 are connected together by an adapter 8| formed with a pair of elements 82 which correspond to the elements 30, 3| shown in Figure 2.

With reference to Figures 12, 13, and 14 they show another modified form 83 which corresponds to the form shown in Figures 1 and 2 with the addition thereto of a pair of automatically operplane of and at able shutter devices 84 of like form arranged at the front of the fans. The elements of the form shown in Figures 12, 13, and 14 which are in accord with the showing of Figures 1 and 2 are generally indicated at 84. The front of the housing of the form 83 has secured to each end thereof and at its vertical center an upstanding bar. The bars are of like form, extend forwardly from said front and gradually increase in width from their upper to their lower ends thereby forming them with inclined forward edges. The bars correspond in height to that of the housing. The bars are indicated at 85, 8G, and 81. Hinged to the bar 86 is a pair of oppositely extending shutter members 88, 89. Hinged to the bar 85 and extending towards and coacting with the shutter member 88 is shutter member 90. Hinged to the bar 81 and extending towards and coacting with the shutter member 89 is a shutter member 9|. The shutter members are arranged between the bars 85, 86 and 81. Each automatically operable shutter device 83 consists of an end bar, the central bar and a pair of shutter members. The devices 84 automatically open when the fan elements are in operation and automatically close when the operation of the fan elements is discontinued to provide respectively for ventilation and to prevent draft.

What I claim is: i

1. A twin-fan structure -inc1uding a pair of parallel vertical fan elements arranged in sidewise disposed relation and in close proximity to each other, a stationary shaft for revolubly supporting each fan element, said shafts having their axes disposed in parallel spaced relation, a motor, a power transmitting means driven from said motor and connected to said elements for simultaneously operating them, said power transmitting means being in the form of a pair of oppositely extending endless belts, each of said fan elements including a hub engaged by a belt, supporting structure common to said motor and shafts, said fan elements arranged in the front of ,said structure, and said structure including coacting parts for adjusting said motor in paths at right angles for controlling the tension of the belts on said hubs. p

2. In a twin-fan structure, a pair of stationary shafts having their axes disposed in sidewise parallel spaced relation, a vertical fan element revolubly supported on each shaft and being formed with a rearwardly extending hub, said elements disposed in sidewise relation and in close proximity to each other, a horizontally and vertically adjustable motor,-said motor movable on said frame only in directions at right angles to each other and arranged rearwardly of said elements and having its axis intersecting the a. point between said elements, and a pair of oppositely extending endless belts driven in unison from the forward end of said motor and connected to said hubs for driving said fan elements simultaneously. f

3. In a twin-fan structure, an upstanding housing having a pair of sidewise aligned openings in its front arranged in close proximity to each other, said housing being formed with a frame-like back, a fan-element mounted in and extending rearwardly from each opening, a pair of independent shafts, each revolubly supporting a'fan element, the back of said housing being provided with spaced horizontally aligned means for maintaining said shafts stationary, a pair of oppositely extending endless belts for operating said elements in unison, a motor common to said belts for driving them simultaneously, and the back of said housing centrally thereof being provided with a slotted plate for adjustment of said motor horizontally, said motor being also adjustable at a right angle thereto vertically, thus controlling the tension of the belts.

4. In a twin-fan structure, ahousing including a front formed with a pair of sidewise disposed openings arranged in close proximity to each other, a pair of fan elements, each arranged in and extending rearwardly of an opening, a

motor supported by the back of the housing rear- 5. In a twin-fan, a supporting structure ineluding a front and frame-like back, said front being formed with a pair of sidewise disposed closely related openings, said. back being formed with a pair of outer sets and an inner set of combined bracing and supporting elements, said sets being disposed in spaced relation, a. support between and fixed to the elements of each outer set. a pair of stationary shafts, each having its rear end fixed to a support, a fan element arranged in each Ofl said openings and revolubly mounted on one of said shafts, a motor, oppositely disposed belt transmissions driven from the motor for simultaneously operating said fans, and means for adjusting the motor vertically on said inner supports and adjusting the motor at right angles thereto to control the tension of said transmissions with the elements of said inner set for supporting the motor and for vertically and horifining the bearing structures in the collar, and

each shaft .having peripheral means extending I between the bearing structures within a collar.

'1. In a twin-fan, a housing including a front and a fram'elike back, said front being formed with a pair of sidewise disposed closely related openings, said back being formed with a pair of spaced aligned supports, a pair of stationary shafts anchored at their rear to said supports and extended forwardly therefrom, fan elements arranged withln and extending rearwardly from said openings, said elements being revolubly confined on said shafts, a motor, oppositely disposed belt transmissions driven from the motor for driving said elements, and said back provided with means for supporting the motor and for vertically adjusting the motor on the supports and horizontally at right angles thereto for control-. ling the tension of said transmissions.

WILLIAM W. ALLEN. 

